Cologne vs RB Leipzig Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Cologne have been impressive back in the German top-flight as they continue their campaign with the visit of a frustrated RB Leipzig side this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Cologne preview: Punching above their weight
Following their promotion to the Bundesliga last season, Cologne sit firmly in the middle-of-the-table with an improved recent run of form, too, with Lukas Kwasniok at the helm at the RheinEnergieStadion.
The hosts come into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of Wolfsburg last weekend, courtesy of a 28th minute winner scored by Linton Maina, meaning they have now suffered just one defeat in their last four matches.
RB Leipzig preview: Frustrated Leipzig
RB Leipzig come into this one on the back of a 2-1 loss at home to Mainz in their most recent outing, last weekend. They took the lead via Conrad Harder in that game before goals scored by Nadiem Amiri and Silas.
Under the management of Ole Werner, RB Leipzig have been much-improved in the Bundesliga this season with the entire organisation needing a revamp and they are pushing for a top four finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification.
Cologne team news: Simpson-Pusey a doubt
Manchester City loanee centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is a doubt for this weekend, while the likes of Luca Kilian, Joel Schmid and Timo Hubers are confirmed absentees.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Schwabe; Castro-Montes, Sebulonsen, Ozkacar, Lund; Kaminski, Martel, Krauss, Maina; Ache, Bulter
Unavailable: Kilian (Injured), Schmid (Injured), Hubers (Injured)
Questionable: Simpson-Pusey (Injured)
RB Leipzig team news: Lukeba a doubt
Key defender Castello Lukeba is a key doubt for RB Leipzig this weekend, while both Assen Ouedraogo and Viggo Gebel are confirmed absentees as they travel to Cologne.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Schlager, Seiwald, Harder; Diomande, Romulo, Nusa
Unavailable: Ouedraogo (Injured), Gebel (Injured)
Questionable: Lukeba (Injured)
Cologne vs RB Leipzig prediction
RB Leipzig were in good form prior to that surprise defeat at home to a resurgent Mainz side at the Red Bull Arena last weekend. Cologne have been more cautious than most teams in Germany’s top-flight and yet their 20 matches have still consisted of 61 goals. Leipzig, on the other hand, have seen 65 goals come in their 20 games and over 2.5 goals would therefore seem a good bet for this one on Sunday afternoon.
Cologne vs RB Leipzig tip: Over 2.5 goals
